EpiPen Junior Auto-Injector is an effective emergency medication that helps to overcome life-threatening allergic reactions, also including anaphylaxis. These reactions can get triggered due to a variety of reasons such as insect stings or bites, foods, medicines, latex or exercise, etc. EpiPen Junior contains a sterile solution of adrenaline and is an ideal intended medication for children weighing between 7.5 to 25kg. For children who weigh more than 25kg, EpiPen would provide better results since it is more appropriate.
When the body tries to protect itself from foreign substances that cause allergies, reactions are bound to occur. The body reacts by releasing certain chemicals into the bloodstream but in many cases, the cause of the reaction remains unknown. Some symptoms occur when the body is under an anaphylactic shock, rising within minutes of being exposed to the allergen. These include itching of the skin, raised rashes, flushing, swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, hands and feet, wheezing, hoarseness, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and loss of consciousness. The adrenergic drug in this medicine contains adrenaline which is used to relieve the body of these uncomfortable symptoms.
Some of the most prominent features of EpiPen Junior include:
The body’s natural response during anaphylaxis is to release adrenaline, a natural antidote to some of the chemicals released in an allergic reaction. Since adrenaline helps lower the symptoms of an allergic reaction, EpiPen Auto-Injector is made with an active ingredient which is a sterile solution of adrenaline. This assists the response and works directly on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems for stopping any of the potentially fatal effects of anaphylaxis. It rapidly works at reducing the size of the blood vessels, relaxing the lung muscles to improve breathing, reducing swelling and finally stimulating heartbeat.
Inform your healthcare provider if you have used EpiPen JR 2-Pak previously that led to the worsening of an allergic reaction before using epinephrine.
The person administering EpiPen® Jr. to a patient with the above conditions must be properly instructed on how and when to give it during an allergic reaction. Carefully follow the usage instructions to avoid accidental injection and remember that the medicine should be injected only into the outer thigh and not the buttock since there is a risk of accidental veinal injection.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, an allergic reaction could harm both you and your baby so you may need to use epinephrine. But make sure you seek emergency medical attention immediately after taking the injection.
The patient's body weight determines the choice of an appropriate dosage strength (EpiPen 0.3 mg or EpiPen Jr 0.15 mg).
There is no solid evidence to prove that someone should not use an EpiPen when suffering from a life-threatening allergic reaction. This life-saving device can help patients avoid death during an episode of an anaphylactic shock. You should however remember that EpiPen should only be used during a serious allergic reaction.
Some special care has to be taken if you are taking other medicines or herbal remedies, obtained without a prescription before using them with EpiPen Junior since it could risk possible complications due to drug interactions. Make sure your doctor knows if the patient is suffering from any of the following conditions:
During an emergency, you may administer the injection through your clothing as well but prefer the outer thigh first. The auto-injector device that comes with EpiPen Jr. is essentially disposable and meant for single use.
Make sure you read and thoroughly follow the directions mentioned on your prescription and medication guides to use the medicine as directed. You should not give EpiPen injection to a child without taking proper medical advice beforehand.
Avoid removing the safety cap until it is time to use the auto-injector. Keep your fingers away from the injector tip once you have removed the safety cap.
Follow the steps below to use an auto-injector containing epinephrine:
The effects of epinephrine may wear off after 10 or 20 minutes but you need further treatment and observation so seek emergency medical attention. Also, contact a doctor if you accidentally inject yourself while administering epinephrine on a patient.
Like all medicines, EpiPen Jr. also causes side effects in certain cases. Some of the common side effects include:
The biggest difference between EpiPen and EpiPen Jr is the dosage these injections contain due to their suitability to patients with different body weights.
EpiPen contains a single dose of epinephrine (0.3 milligrams) appropriate for people who weigh more than 66 pounds whereas EpiPen Jr. has a smaller amount of epinephrine (0.15 milligrams) appropriate for children who weigh 33 to 66 pounds.
Keep out of sight and reach of children and store the auto-injector below 25°C. It is extremely crucial to store the EpiPen in its outer carton in order to keep it away from air and light because exposure to either air or light can deteriorate the adrenaline rapidly to turn its colour to pink or brown. Avoid using this medicine if the liquid isn’t clear or colourless or if EpiPen Jr. has passed its expiry date stated on the packaging.
You do need a prescription to buy and use EpiPen Junior in the UK however it is safe to ensure that the medication is appropriate for your needs so you can take a free online consultation available on MedsNow. You can later make the payment and expect a quick and discreet delivery at your doorstep.
At what age do you use EpiPen Jr?
Since the weight of the patient determines the administration of this medication, a child who weighs less than 25kgs is suitable no matter its age.
What Colour is junior EpiPen?
It comes with a green colour label.
Can you use EpiPen Jr on an infant?
Yes, pediatric patients suffering from anaphylaxis can be given EpiPen Jr.
When should a child use an EpiPen?
EpiPen can be given to a child when he/she is suffering from a sudden extreme allergic reaction like anaphylaxis.